SF 288: Relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges

What it does

This bill relates to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents. The bill defines the term “institution” as an institution of higher education governed by the state board of regents or a community college. “Institution” also includes the faculty, staff, and other employees of such institution of higher education or community college. The bill defines “reasonable accommodations” as including but not being limited to taking additional health and safety measures; allowing a student to reschedule tests and assignment due dates that are missed for reasons related to the student’s pregnancy; allowing a student to take a leave of absence; and excusing absences for reasons deemed medically necessary due to the pregnancy.

House subcommittee · named March 27, 2025

• Rep. Bob Henderson (R) · robert.henderson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Tracy A. Ehlert (D) · tracy.ehlert@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla (R) · barb.kniffmcculla@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 13 for, 0 against

For: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Right to Life Committee; Lutheran Family Service; Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa; Pulse Life Advocates; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; and 1 more

In plain words

1. February 12, 2025Filed in the Senate
2. February 12, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
3. March 19, 2025Passed the Senate, 47–0
4. March 20, 2025Arrived in the House
5. March 27, 2025House subcommittee named: Henderson, Ehlert and Kniff McCulla
6. April 1, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
7. April 1, 2025Approved by the House committee
8. April 1, 2025Committee vote: 22–1
9. April 22, 2025Passed the House, 92–0
10. April 28, 2025Passed the Senate, 49–0
11. May 19, 2025Sent to the Governor
12. June 6, 2025Signed into law